Whether you’re a patient, a dentist, or a practice manager, there’s no ignoring the impact that the new generation of air polishers has had on treatment pathways.
In this quick guide, we’re going to take a closer look at the benefits they provide, the techniques they make possible, and the result that patients and practices can enjoy.
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What are the benefits of air polishing?
Air polishing is a gentle, non-invasive technique that has been designed from the ground up to use minimal pressure and heat.
By going easy and being restrained when it comes to how the surfaces of the teeth are treated, dental professionals can polish without running the risk of damaging, chipping, or eroding the vital enamel coating.
With this in mind, patients are then able to experience a range of key benefits:
- Stain removal processes can be used to remove build-ups from coffee, tea, and tobacco, allowing patients to feel more body-positive and fall back in love with their smiles. Dental practices that can deliver such results will then be able to enhance their reputation in the local community
- The versatility of air polishing stems from the way the pressure is applied to the teeth in the first place. The result is a technique suitable for those with implants, sensitive teeth, and people currently undergoing orthodontic treatment
Put all of this together, and you start to see why more and more practice managers are investing in the equipment required to offer this form of treatment.
What techniques does air polishing require?
A successfully executed air polish requires training, experience, patience, and a precise eye combined with a steady hand.
Getting the basics right involves the following key steps:
- Choose the right powder so that it matches the needs and desired outcome of the patient, as well as the current condition of their teeth
- Nozzle accuracy is essential as it is what will avoid damage being unintentionally caused to soft tissue
- Accurate pressure settings should be used at all times so that the amount of pressure is both suitable and proportionate to the task at hand
One of the potential issues with air polishing that many dental professionals may find is gum tenderness.
Patients who present with damaged, eroded, or swollen gums may experience mild increases in tenderness and a short-lived salty aftertaste once the treatment is completed.
Explaining to patients why this may be the case — and why it is nothing to worry about — is the role of the dentist or their assistant.
What is the overall patient impact?
Dental practices quite rightly want to be fully invested in the number and quality of positive patient outcomes, if for no other reason than that it helps grow their practice.
Investing in an air polisher dental professionals can rely on is something practice managers will find highly beneficial.
Sourcing one from a trusted specialist supplier who has a nationwide delivery and fulfilment network will ensure that nothing is delayed or overlooked.
To highlight just how helpful such an investment may prove to your practice, consider these commonly heard pieces of feedback from patients:
- Air polishing is quicker, more relaxing, and considerably more comfortable for the patient than traditional scaling and polishing
- Using air polishing to enhance the shine and whiteness of a smile can boost self-esteem and increase body-positive feelings
- Removing plaque and surface stains with an air-polishing treatment is a proven way to improve oral hygiene and prevent other issues in the future
The key point to note here is that patients benefit from the treatment, and therefore, practices benefit from the investment.
Having the right equipment that can be used in-house allows trained and highly skilled dental professionals to focus on what they do best and drive positive patient outcomes.
What happens next?
If you are a patient and you have found this article insightful, you may wish to book an appointment with your local dentist so that your teeth can be air-polished.
If you are a practice manager looking to scale your business in a sustainable, long-term way, you may find that investing in air polishing equipment opens up a whole new line of business for you.
Many practice managers across the UK have found that advertising air polishing as a low-stress treatment for people who are anxious, stressed, or nervous about sitting in the chair can help.